What Is to Be Done? · Chapter
XXIII explained
Marya Alekséyevna initially plots revenge against Lopukhóf and Vera, but after realizing Vera has taken only a few items, she shifts to practical concerns about lawsuits and retaining Vera's belongings.
What happens
Marya Alekséyevna initially plots revenge against Lopukhóf and Vera, but after realizing Vera has taken only a few items, she shifts to practical concerns about lawsuits and retaining Vera's belongings. Lopukhóf visits, calmly outmaneuvers her attempts to quarrel, and negotiates a peaceful separation, leaving Marya Alekséyevna to dream of future wealth from Lopukhóf's hypothetical monopoly.
Themes in this chapter
Critique of Bourgeois Society
Marya Alekséyevna's focus on material loss, lawsuits, and propriety satirizes bourgeois values of self-interest and social pretense.
Freedom and Individuality
Vera's marriage without consent represents a break from parental authority, asserting individual choice over familial obligation.
Characters to notice
- Marya Alekséyevna
Plots revenge, then pragmatically assesses her losses and negotiates with Lopukhóf, ultimately dreaming of his wealth.
- Dmitri Sergéitch Lopukhóf
Visits Marya Alekséyevna, calmly asserts his position, and arranges a peaceful separation regarding Vera.
- Pavel Konstantinuitch Rozalsky
Present during Lopukhóf's visit, used as a foil by Lopukhóf to manage Marya Alekséyevna's outbursts.
- Viéra Pavlovna
Referenced as having married Lopukhóf and left home; her belongings are inventoried by Marya Alekséyevna.
- Mikhaïl Ivanuitch Storeshnikof
Mentioned as the failed suitor whose case is now beyond recall.
Key passages
“She has robbed me!”
Marya Alekséyevna feels that Vera's marriage has deprived her of financial gain.
Highlights her materialistic view of her daughter's elopement.
“What is to be done [ tchto dyélat ]?”
Marya Alekséyevna ponders her limited options for retaliation.
Echoes the novel's central question, here applied to pragmatic scheming.